1. Motor Vehicle Hearing: To preserve your right to drive in Missouri, you must request a hearing within 15 days after your license has been taken from you by an officer or within the time set by the Director of Revenue in a revocation letter. If you had a valid license when stopped, you are qualified for a temporary license to drive until the hearing. You will be mailed a notice of the hearing about three weeks after your request. You can usually plan on about 45 days of driving. If you lose at the hearing, you cannot drive after the hearing. It is our opinion you should request the officer's presence at the hearing. Crucial defenses can be developed at the hearing. The hearing will be held in the county of your arrest. 2. Arraignment: This is the date on your ticket, about 30 to 60 days after your arrest. If you have an attorney and are not on bond, you do not have to appear. It is primarily for advisement of rights. If you have an attorney, he will advise you. 3. Pre-trial Conference: Your attorney will discuss your case with the District Attorney and negotiate the best possible plea bargain. It will happen about 6 weeks after arraignment. This is usually after the Motor Vehicle Hearing. The date is set by the Court and your attorney on his calendar. 4. Suppression Hearing: The Court may suppress some or all of the evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated. Your attorney will file motions to suppress. It occurs anywhere from six weeks to three months after the pre-trial conference. 5. Trial: Almost always a trial to a jury of twelve. Trial must be held within six months after your plea. 6. Sentencing: The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences may include jail time, in home detention, public service, alcohol classes, ignition interlock, vehicle impoundment, and fines.
